Firefox reaches 100million downloads

Firefox, the open source internet browser that is threatening Microsoft's dominance of the web, has surpassed the 100 million-download marker.

The news comes as the browser's first anniversary approaches this November.

Asa Dotzler, liaison for the Spread Firefox community explained, "Our community of more than 100,000 Firefox developers, testers, and grassroots marketers, is rejuvenating Web browsing, which is why millions of new users make the jump to Firefox every week. Spread Firefox members look forward to the next 100 million downloads as they mobilize for the exciting new release of Firefox 1.5".

To celebrate the news, there the company behind the browser will be launching "Firefox One", an Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium balloon satellite at the Oregon State University on Saturday 22 October at noon.

The Oregon State Linux Users Group, Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium, and the OSU Open Source Lab teamed up to launch "Firefox One", a balloon satellite capable of carrying a 14lb payload to 100,000ft in elevation. Our payload will be a large Firefox banner, CD, and camera to take photos of Firefox at the edge of space.